Pancreatic Cancer in Australia: A Growing Crisis

Pancreatic cancer deaths in Australia have nearly doubled over the past two decades, with mortality growing at 2.6 times the rate of overall cancer deaths.

Rising Incidence and Mortality

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a stark trend: pancreatic cancer caused more deaths than prostate cancer in 2024, with only lung cancer responsible for more cancer-related fatalities. The proportion of cancer deaths attributed to pancreatic cancer has risen from 1 in 20 in 2005 to approximately 1 in 14 in 2024.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that approximately 4,825 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025. The average age of diagnosis is 72.

However, a troubling shift is occurring among younger Australians. Research from Flinders University in 2024 indicates a 200 percent increase in pancreatic cancer cases among Australians aged 15-49 over a 24-year period — a trend that mirrors a global rise in affluent countries.

Pancreatic cancer diagnoses have tripled over the last four decades, rising from approximately 1,200 to over 4,000 new cases annually. It is projected to become Australia's second most lethal cancer by 2030.

"Pancreatic cancer diagnoses have tripled over the last four decades, rising from approximately 1,200 to over 4,000 new cases annually."

Known Risk Factors

Lifestyle Factors

• Smoking remains a major global risk factor
• Raised blood glucose and obesity are significant contributors to early-onset cases in Australia and Oceania
• Heavy alcohol consumption is another key contributor

Medical Conditions

• Long-standing type 2 diabetes is linked to increased risk. UK research indicates diabetes can nearly double the risk
• Factors such as insulin resistance, poorly controlled blood sugar, and pancreatic inflammation associated with long-term diabetes are contributing elements
• Chronic pancreatitis is also a risk factor

Genetics and Family History

• A family history of the disease, including the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increases risk

Other Factors

• Age (most cases occur after 60)
• Long-term exposure to certain workplace chemicals

The Challenge of Late Detection

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst survival rates among all cancers, largely due to late diagnosis. The pancreas is located deep within the body and cannot be felt externally, making early detection difficult. Diagnosis often requires invasive tests such as scans or biopsies.

Early-stage symptoms are uncommon and typically appear only after the cancer has spread or grown large enough to impact other organs. Symptoms are often non-specific and can be mistaken for minor ailments.

Common Symptoms

• Persistent upper abdominal pain (below ribs or breastbone)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or pale, loose, strong-smelling stool that is difficult to flush)

Less Common Symptoms

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Severe back pain
• Sudden onset of diabetes (affects 10-20% of patients)
• Dark urine
• Itchy skin
• Persistent fatigue

As the disease progresses, cachexia (cancer-induced wasting syndrome) can develop, causing loss of body mass and muscle.

Survival Statistics

The five-year survival rate is low, approximately 13% to 14%. This is largely attributed to most diagnoses occurring at stage three or four, when surgical removal of the primary tumor is often impossible. Stage four pancreatic cancer (metastatic) treatment is often palliative.

"Most diagnoses occur at stage three or four, when surgical removal of the primary tumor is often impossible."

New Initiatives for Early Detection

Clinical Guidelines for General Practitioners

New recommendations developed by Australian clinicians and scientists are being promoted to general practitioners. These guidelines help doctors determine which patients require further investigation for pancreatic cancer based on combinations of symptoms and risk factors such as smoking, heavy drinking, or obesity.

Pilot Study on Screening High-Risk Populations

An Australia-wide pilot study — the Pancreatic Cancer New Onset Diabetes Study (PaCNOD) — is underway. Led by Professor Rachel Neale of QIMR Berghofer, the study aims to determine if pancreatic cancer screening via non-invasive CT scans could lead to earlier detection. The study is recruiting individuals recently diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, aged over 55, with no prior history of pancreatic cancer or pancreas removal.

National Framework and Research Investment

Cancer Australia has developed the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap, a framework for action across 33 priority domains. To support the Roadmap, Cancer Australia has partnered with universities and the Pancare Foundation to create evidence-based resources for health professionals and patients.

Advocates are calling for pancreatic cancer to be recognized as a national health priority to drive long-term investment in:

• Early detection technologies (biomarkers and advanced imaging)
• Surveillance of high-risk populations
• Personalized treatment approaches through genomic profiling and precision medicine
• Expanded access to integrated supportive and palliative care models
• Improved public awareness and education

"Advocates are calling for pancreatic cancer to be recognized as a national health priority."

Treatment and Research

Surgical removal of the tumor offers the best chance of survival but is only possible in a minority of cases. For patients with later-stage disease, treatment is often palliative, aiming to control the disease and alleviate pain.

Emerging research focuses on:

• Targeted therapies designed to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading
• Immunotherapies that stimulate the body's immune system to combat the cancer

These advancements are currently in clinical trial phases.

Patient Experiences

Patient narratives highlight the challenges of detection and the critical role of early diagnosis.

Mona Thind, 55, had her pancreatic tumor detected and removed early. She advocates for greater public understanding and runs a Facebook support group, "Battlers Down Under – Pancreatic Cancer Support."

Carol Chevalier of Melbourne had a pancreatic tumor discovered incidentally in 2023 during a follow-up scan for a kidney stone. After 12 months of monitoring, rapid growth necessitated a 13-hour Whipple procedure.

Rob Hirst, a founding member of the band Midnight Oil, died at age 70 after battling pancreatic cancer since 2023. The band announced his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones.